Tooling for Cold Forming Operations

ABSTRACT

A tooling for cold forming operations can include a transition shoe and a die. The transition shoe can include a first dovetail formation and a second dovetail formation opposite the first dovetail formation relative to a pressing direction. The first dovetail formation can be configured to removably engage a dovetail formation on a shoe of a press. The die can include a third dovetail formation and a first cold forming profile. The third dovetail formation can be configured to removably engage the second dovetail formation on the transition shoe to removably secure the die to the press for cold forming operations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 63/234,367, filed Aug. 18, 2021, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Tooling for cold forming operations can be important in a variety ofcontexts. In some settings, tooling for cold forming operations may beremovably secured to a press machine to squeeze an anchor onto an end ofa rebar.

SUMMARY

The presently disclosed technology relates generally to tooling for coldforming operations, and more specifically, in some examples, to toolingthat can be secured to a press machine using dovetail connections. Someexamples can include transition shoes removably securable to a press andto various different dies. For example, a transition shoe can include adovetail recess or other dovetail formation on either side of thetransition shoe relative to a pressing direction, to removably securethe transition shoe to a press on one side and various dies on theother. Thus, different dies can easily be selectively secured to apress, directly or indirectly, for different cold forming operations(e.g., swaging). In some examples, particular relative widths ofdovetail formations can provide improved structural performance andoperational efficiency. In some examples, particular release angles canbe provided on a die for cold forming operations, including withoptimized ranges for particular sizes of components to be cold formed.In some examples, interchangeable combinations of tool components can beprovided as tooling sets for improved cold forming operations.

Thus, for example, some aspects of the disclosed technology provide atooling set for cold forming operations with a first and secondremovable dovetail formation, and first and second removable diearrangements. The first removable dovetail formation can be removablysecurable to a first side of a press for cold forming and the secondremovable dovetail formation can be removably securable to a second sideof the press. Each of the first removable die arrangement and the secondremovable die arrangement can include, respectively: a transition shoe,and a die. The transition shoe can include a first dovetail formation,and a second dovetail formation opposite the first dovetail formationrelative to a pressing direction, wherein the first dovetail formationis removably engageable with the first or the second removable dovetailformation, respectively, to secure the transition shoe to the press. Thedie can include a third dovetail formation and a first cold formingprofile, the third dovetail formation being removably engageable withthe second dovetail formation on the transition shoe to removably securethe die to the press, via the transition shoe, for cold formingoperations.

In some examples, at least one of the first or second removable diearrangements can further include a second die that includes a fourthdovetail formation removably engageable with either of the first orsecond removable dovetail formations to secure the second die to thepress in place of the corresponding transition shoe. The second die caninclude a second cold forming profile different from the first coldforming profile, opposite the fourth dovetail formation relative to thepressing direction.

In some examples, a first cold forming profile can be sized for coldforming operations on components of a first size, and a second coldforming profile can be sized for cold forming operations on componentsof a second size that is larger than the first size. As one example, afirst cold forming profile can be sized to clamp a first anchor of thefirst size onto rebar and can include a release angle of at least about40 degrees, the first size corresponding to a first outer diameter ofthe first anchor. As another example, a second cold forming profile canbe sized to clamp a second anchor of the second size onto rebar and caninclude a release angle of at least about 45 degrees, the second sizecorresponding to a second outer diameter of the second anchor. In someexamples, each of first and second cold forming profiles can include arelease angle of at least about 40 degrees and less than 60 degrees toclamp anchors onto rebar.

In some examples, perpendicular to a pressing direction, a largestdimension of a removable dovetail formation for a press can be greaterthan a largest dimension of a dovetail formation of a removable diearrangement.

In some examples, a dovetail formation of a die can include a dovetailprotrusion that is sized to be received in a dovetail recess of atransition shoe. Perpendicular to a pressing direction, a largestdimension of the dovetail protrusion can be greater than a largestdimension of a dovetail formation (e.g., a removable dovetail formation)of the first removable die arrangement.

In some examples, a die of a removable die arrangement can includefirst, second, and third sides that form a dovetail formation and afourth side that extends between the first and second sides to form acold forming profile. Perpendicular to a pressing direction, a largestdimension of the first removable dovetail formation can be smaller thaneither or both of a largest and a smallest distance between the firstand third sides of the die.

In some examples, a die of a first removable die arrangement can besized to be removably received within a dovetail recess of a dovetailformation of a transition shoe. The dovetail recess and the die can besized so that junctions between the fourth side of the die and each ofthe first and third sides of the die can be recessed away from or flushwith an end surface of the transition shoe (e.g., an end surfaceopposite a dovetail connection to a press, in the pressing direction,that includes a dovetail formation to engage the die).

In some examples, a body of a die of a first removable die arrangementcan be sized to be removably received entirely within a dovetail recessof a dovetail formation on a transition shoe, relative to the pressingdirection.

Some aspects of the disclosed technology provide a tooling set for coldforming operations, including a transition shoe and a die. Thetransition shoe can include a first dovetail recess on a first side ofthe transition shoe configured to engage a dovetail protrusion on apress, and a second dovetail recess on a second side of the transitionshoe that is opposite the first side in a pressing direction. The diecan include a cold forming profile and a dovetail protrusion that isremovably received in the second dovetail recess, to secure the die tothe transition shoe for attachment to the press.

In some examples, in a pressing direction, a largest dimension of a diecan be substantially equal to a largest dimension of a dovetail recessin a transition shoe that receives the die.

In some examples, a die can define a trapezoidal outer profile, with acold forming profile being recessed to deviate from the trapezoidalouter profile along a pressing side of the die.

In some examples, a cold forming profile of a die can have a releaseangle of at least about 40 degrees as measured between a first rib and asecond rib of the cold forming profile (e.g., with a cold formingprofile sized to shape a donut anchor having a diameter of about 4inches or less as measured before a pressing operation (i.e.,pre-pressing), or of about 3 inches or less as measured after thepressing operation (i.e., post-pressing)). In some examples, a coldforming profile of a die can have a release angle of at least about 45degrees as measured between a first rib and a second rib of the coldforming profile (e.g., with a cold forming profile sized to shape adonut anchor having a post-pressing diameter of about 3 inches or more).In some examples example, the release angle can be less than 60 degrees.

In some examples, a cold forming profile can include a first groove thatis centrally located along the cold forming profile, a second groove,and a third groove, wherein the second and third groove are equallyspaced apart from the first groove on either side of the first groove.

Some aspects of the disclosed technology provide a method for conductingcold forming operations. A transition shoe of a tooling set can besecured to a press, using a first dovetail connection between thetransition shoe and the press, including by engaging a first dovetailrecess on a first side of the transition shoe with a dovetail protrusionon the press. A die of the tooling set can be secured to the press viathe transition shoe, using a second dovetail connection between the dieand the transition shoe, including by removably inserting a dovetailprotrusion of the die into a second dovetail recess on a second side ofthe transition shoe that is opposite the first side in a pressingdirection. After securing the die to the press via the transition shoe,the press can be operated to conduct cold forming operations using acold forming profile of the die.

In some examples, after conducting the cold forming operations, thetransition shoe can be removed from the press and a second die of thetooling set can be secured to the press at a second dovetail connection,without the transition shoe. After securing the second die to the press,the press can be operated to conduct cold forming operations using acold forming profile of the second die.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofembodiments of the invention:

FIG. 1A is a top, front, and left perspective view of tooling for coldforming operations in a first operational configuration, according to anexample of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 1B is a top, front, and left perspective view of the tooling ofFIG. 1A in a second operational configuration, according to an exampleof the disclosed technology;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a portion of the tooling of FIG. 1Athat includes a shoe and a tooling set including a die, and a transitionshoe, according to an example of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the die of FIG. 2 , with details ofa cold forming profile according to an example of the disclosedtechnology;

FIG. 4 is a top, front, and left perspective view of a differentlyconfigured tooling for cold forming operations, according to an exampleof the disclosed technology;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the tooling of FIG. 4 , according toan example of the disclosed technology, with details of a cold formingprofile of a second die in the tooling set;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the die of FIG. 5 , according to anexample of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 7 is a top, front, and left perspective view of tooling for coldforming operations, according to another example of the disclosedtechnology;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the tooling of FIG. 7 , with detailsof a cold forming profile of a die in a tooling set according to anexample of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 9 is a top, front, and left perspective view of tooling for coldforming operations, according to an example of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the tooling for FIG. 9 , withdetails of a cold forming profile of a die in a tooling set according toanother example of the disclosed technology; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations of an example method ofconducting cold forming operations, according the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modificationsto the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of theinvention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to belimited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Thefollowing detailed description is to be read with reference to thefigures, in which like elements in different figures have like referencenumerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope ofembodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize theexamples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall withinthe scope of embodiments of the invention.

As noted above, tooling for cold forming operations can be important ina variety of contexts. In some settings, tooling for cold formingoperations may be removably secured to a press to squeeze (e.g., swageor otherwise deform) an anchor onto an end of a rebar or to conductother cold forming operations with the press.

Conventional tooling for cold forming operations can be heavy, and itmay be difficult to interchange different dies on a particular pressmachine. For example, operations for servicing or replacing dies mayrequire the loosening or other disengagement of different specializedmounts on opposing sides of a press, a cumbersome replacement of shoeson the presses themselves, or other inefficiencies.

Further, dies in conventional cold-forming tooling can have a tendencyto lock swaged or other pressed material inside of the die. Such aninconvenience can require the swaged material to be forcefully removed(e.g. by an operator, or by another device), which may substantiallydecrease efficiency of operations, among other issues.

In this light, it may be useful to provide improved tooling for coldforming operations that is easier to maintain and replace. Further, itmay be useful to provide improved die geometry that allows swagedmaterial to release easily from a die after pressing. Cold formingoperations are often conducted as a critical operation for efficienterection of buildings, particularly high rises and other complexstructures. Accordingly, improvements in cold forming tooling andoperational methods can provide substantial efficiency benefits for avariety of projects.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology can address these and otherissues. For example, some implementations of the present disclosureutilize dovetail joints to ease the servicing and replacement of diesand associated tooling components (e.g., shoes and transition shoes) ina press machine. In some cases, particular arrangements of the width andform of dovetail connections are also provided. For example, someexamples include transition shoes with opposing dovetail recesses, diesformed as dovetail protrusions, or particular relative widths ofparticular sets of dovetail connections.

In some examples, dies of the present disclosure can include improvedranges of angular geometry, including with different specific ranges fordifferent sizes of tooling or worked components (e.g., anchors or otherend attachments for rebar). These improvements may allow the material ofswaged or other pressed components to be released from the dies withrelatively minimal effort, thereby improving cycle time. Someembodiments of the present disclosure discussed herein are directedtowards swaging anchors onto rebar. It should be understood thatmechanisms disclosed herein can be applied to any variety of dies forprocessing rebar and related components.

In some examples of the disclosed technology, tooling for cold formingoperations may include tooling sets. For example, in some tooling sets afirst die can be configured to be removably secured to a shoe, which inturn is configured to be secured to a press machine, and a second diecan be configured to be removably secured to the shoe via a transitionshoe. In these and other tooling sets, various tooling components mayinclude a dovetail formation (i.e., a dovetail recess or a dovetailprotrusion) to allow interchangeable connection of certain pieces. Someexamples can thus allow operators to quickly customize a press for coldforming operations.

For example, a shoe of a tooling set may include a dovetail recess (orprotrusion) that receives (or is received in) a dovetail protrusion (orrecess) on the first die to secure the first die to the press machinevia the main shoe. Further, in some embodiments, a transition shoe mayinclude a dovetail protrusion (or recess) that is received by (orreceives) the dovetail recess (or protrusion) of the shoe. Thetransition shoe may further include a dovetail recess (or protrusion) toreceive (or be received by) a dovetail protrusion (or recess) on asecond die that is smaller than the first die. Using quick-engage and-release locking mechanisms, operators can thus quickly and selectivelysecure the transition shoe or the first die to a press, as well asquickly and interchangeably secure the second die and any number ofother dies at the already-secured transition shoe.

Thus, in some arrangements, a transition shoe can serve as anintermediate body that can allow different dies to be easily attached toa press, without requiring replacement or reconfiguration of anengagement interface of the press. For example, some sets can includerelatively small dies and relatively large dies that can beinterchangeably and removably engaged with a press without removal of amain shoe from a clamp mechanism of the press. In some cases, a toolingset with a transition shoe and multiple dies of different sizes cannotably improve the ability of operators to quickly transitioningbetween different types of cold forming operations on an active job site(e.g., to swage anchors of different sizes).

In one particular example, a tooling set for (or including) a dovetailpress interface can include a transition shoe and at least two dies ofdifferent sizes. The transition shoe can include opposing dovetailstructures (e.g., opposing dovetail recesses) to engage, respectively, afirst of the dies and the dovetail press interface (e.g., a removabledovetail protrusion). The transition shoe can thus be used to easily andsecurely engage the first die with the press. Further, a second of thedies can include a dovetail formation (e.g., a dovetail recess) that isalso arranged for a dovetail connection with the press at interfaceoptimal relative sizes can be widths of dovetail formations at a presscan be optimized relative to widths of

A dovetail connection in some examples can provide a connection that canbe highly secure relative to a pressing direction, while also providingfor relatively easy disconnect operations. Thus, dovetail connectionsmay allow for relatively quick and non-specialized operations to swapone die for another. Further, in some examples of tooling sets (e.g.,with a transition shoe and multiple dies), widths of different dovetailconnections in a tooling set can be optimized to appropriate strength ofconnection with accessibility and ease of interchangeability. In otherembodiments, however, other connection types are possible, includingother connection types of transition shoes or on dies.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example tooling assembly 100 for coldforming operations, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The tooling assembly 100 is removed from a press machine(not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) to highlight elements of the claimedinvention. It should be understood that the tooling assembly 100 may becoupled to any conventional press machine using conventional methods(e.g., clamped into schematically indicated conventional press machine(or press) 98 in FIG. 2 ). Further, certain aspects of the toolingassembly 100 can be differently configured in some cases, according tovarious known techniques, to allow the tooling assembly 100 to beattached to a wide variety of known press types.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tooling assembly 100 includes a firsthalf or first side tooling sub-assembly 104 a and a second half or asecond side tooling sub-assembly 104 b. For convenience, only the firsthalf 104 a of the tooling assembly 100 is discussed in further detailherein. However, it is noted that the first half 104 a and the secondhalf 104 b are substantially the same, and is a mirror symmetry of oneanother in the illustrated embodiment. Therefore, the below descriptionwith respect to the first half 104 a may apply to the second half 104 bin a similar fashion. Accordingly, if the tooling assembly 100 includesany element discussed with regard to the first half 104 a, it mayinclude an additional one of that same elements as part of the secondhalf 104 b. However, in other configurations, first and second halves ofa tooling assembly may not necessarily be symmetrical or otherwisesubstantially the same.

The first half 104 a may include a shoe or press shoe 108, a transitionshoe 112, and a die 116. The shoe 108 is shown generally rectangularprismatic in shape, but may have other shapes. The shoe 108 may includea first shoe side 120, a second shoe side 122, a third shoe side 124,and a fourth shoe side 126. The first shoe side 120 and the second shoeside 122 may be planar (with some deviations, including as discussedbelow). Further, the first shoe side 120 and the second shoe side 122may be laterally opposed to each other. The fourth shoe side 124 and thethird shoe side 126 may be planar (with some deviations, including asdiscussed below). Further the fourth shoe side 124 and the third shoeside 126 may be laterally opposed to each other. The first shoe side 120may have a first notch 128 that extends along the first shoe side 120,adjacent to the third shoe side 126. The second shoe side 122 may have asecond notch 130 that extends along the second shoe side 122, adjacentto the third shoe side 126. The first notch 128 and the second notch 130may be dimensioned to engage a press machine (not shown) to removably(e.g. semi-permanently) attach the shoe 108 to the press machine. Inother embodiments, as generally noted above, other structures can also(or alternatively) be provided to allow a shoe to be attached to apress.

Generally, according to some embodiments, sets of recesses andprotrusions can be provided on first and second components of a toolingassembly (e.g., on a shoe and a die, a shoe and a transition shoe, orvice versa), to allow the components to be removably secured together.In this regard, for example, a first dovetail formation (e.g., adovetail recess 132, as shown) may be formed (e.g., cut) into the shoe108 on the fourth shoe side 124. The first dovetail recess 132 mayextend laterally through (e.g., fully through, as shown) the shoe 108,from the first shoe side 120 to the second shoe side 122. Relatedly, thetransition shoe 112 may include a shoe side 134 and a die side 136, andthe shoe side 134 of the transition shoe 112 may define a first dovetailformation (e.g., a dovetail protrusion 138, as shown) configured to forma dovetail connection with the dovetail formation on the shoe 108. Inparticular, for example, the dovetail recess 132 of the shoe 108 may bedimensioned to receive the dovetail protrusion 138 of the transitionshoe 112. The dovetail protrusion 138 of the transition shoe 112 may beconfigured to slide laterally into the dovetail recess 132 of the shoe108 with appropriate clearance (e.g., about 10-thousandth of an inchclearance) between the first dovetail protrusion 138 and the firstdovetail recess 132.

Continuing, a transition shoe may also include features to allowconnection with a die 116 opposite a connection to a shoe 108. Forexample, a second dovetail formation (e.g., a dovetail recess 140, asshown) may be formed (e.g., cut) into the transition shoe 112 on the dieside 136. The second dovetail recess 140 may, for example, extendthrough the transition shoe 112 in a similar manner as the firstdovetail recess 132 extends through the shoe 108. Relatedly, the die 116may include a second dovetail formation (e.g., a dovetail protrusion142, as shown) that is configured to removably engage a dovetailformation (e.g., the second dovetail recess 132) of the transition shoe112. In this regard, via temporary dovetail connections, the die 116 maybe removably secured to the press for cold forming operations. Thesecond dovetail protrusion 142 of the die 116 may be configured to slideinto the second dovetail recess 140 with appropriate clearance (e.g.,about 10-thousandth of an inch clearance) between the second dovetailprotrusion 142 and the second dovetail recess 140.

In some embodiments, additional features can be provided to furthersecure a temporary connection (e.g., a temporary dovetail connection)between a shoe and a transition shoe, between a transition shoe and adie, or between a shoe and a die. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, theshoe 108 may include an aperture 141 disposed in a first shoe side 120(and, generally, another aperture on second shoe side 122). The aperture141 can be located along a central axis A and receives a first flangethat may be configured to rotate on the transition shoe 112 to securethe transition shoe 112 in engagement with the shoe 108 in a directionperpendicular to the pressing direction of the press. For example, inthe illustrated example, a first flange screw 144 that is located alongthe first dovetail recess 132. The first flange 144 The first flange 144may be a quarter-turn flange screw, as shown, or may be otherwiseconfigured in other cases to be rotated by different amounts to lock orunlock a dovetail connection. The transition shoe 112 may similarlyinclude a second flange (e.g., a quarter-turn second flange screw 146)that is located along the second dovetail recess 140. The second flange146 may be configured to rotate onto the die 116 to secure the die 116into the transition shoe 112 in a direction perpendicular to thepressing direction of the press (see, e.g., block arrows indicatinglocking direction of rotation in FIG. 2 ).

Referring specifically to FIG. 1A, the tooling assembly 100 is shown ina first open configuration. As shown in the example embodiment of FIG.1A, rebar 150 (or another component) may be inserted between the die 116on the first half 104 a and the die 116 on the second half 104 b, with adonut anchor 152 (or other component, as appropriate) mounted on therebar 150. Referring specifically to FIG. 1B, the tooling assembly 100is shown in a second or closed configuration. As shown in the exampleembodiment of FIG. 1B, the anchor 152 is squeezed (e.g. swaged, orclamped) onto an end of the rebar 150. In a preferred embodiment, thedie 116 on the first half 104 a and the die 116 on the second half 104 bdo not contact each other in the closed configuration. Therefore,generally, the tooling may be appropriately dimensioned to effectivelyswage an anchor onto and end of a rebar without applying additionalexternal forces to the die 116.

The tooling assembly 100 may transition from the first configuration(see FIG. 1A) to the second configuration (see FIG. 1B) to swage (i.e.squeeze or clamp) the anchor 152 onto the end of the rebar 150. Thetooling assembly 100 may then transition from the closed configurationto the open configuration to release the rebar 150 with the swagedanchor 152 from between the die 116 of the first half 104 a of thetooling assembly 100 and the die 116 of the second half 104 b of thetooling assembly 100.

Referring specifically to the illustrated example, the anchor 152 may bea 1018 common steel. Further, in some embodiments, the anchor 152 mayhave a diameter of between about 1.5 inches and about 3.0 inches.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the anchor 152 may have a diameterof about 3.0 inches or less, or about 2.5 inches or less, or about 2.0inches or less. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the anchor 152 mayhave a diameter of about 1.5 inches, or about 2.0 inches, or about 2.5inches, or about 3.0 inches. In some embodiments, including as discussedbelow, an anchor or other component can alternatively have a largerdimension (e.g., more than about 3.0 inches).

FIG. 2 illustrates the first half 104 a of the tooling assembly 100 thatincludes the die 116, the transition shoe 112, and the shoe 108. Asshown in FIG. 2 , a central axis A may extend in a pressing directioncentrally through all the dovetail formations 132, 138, 140, 142. Thefirst dovetail protrusion 138 and the first dovetail recess 132 may haveoutermost points (i.e. the points furthest away from axis A in anorthogonal direction with respect to axis A) that extend outwards fromthe transition shoe 112 at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect toaxis A. The first dovetail protrusion 138 (i.e. the dovetail protrusionon the transition shoe 112) may have a width W1 of between about 5.0 andabout 6.0 inches. The second dovetail protrusion 142 (i.e. the dovetailprotrusion on the die 116) may have a width W2 of between about 2.0inches and about 3.0 inches. Therefore, the width W1 of the firstdovetail protrusion 138 may generally be greater than the width W2 ofthe second dovetail protrusion 142. Further, in some cases, the width W2may be smaller than a minimum width of the dovetail recess 132.

FIG. 3 further illustrate the die 116. The die 116 may include a coldforming profile 156 opposite the second dovetail protrusion 142 relativeto a pressing direction of the press. The cold forming profile 156 maybe sized for cold forming operations on components (e.g. rebar, anchors,etc.) of a first size. The cold forming profile 156 may have a diameterD1 of less than 3.0 inches, or of about 2.5 inches, including as mayallow for cold forming of components up to about 3.0 inches in diameter.The cold forming profile 156 may include a first groove 158 that iscentrally located along the cold forming profile 156 (i.e. at the centerpoint of the perimeter of the first groove, which also intersects theaxis A). The cold forming profile 156 can further include a secondgroove 160 and a third groove 162 that are equally spaced apart from thefirst groove 158 on either side of the first groove 158. The secondgroove 160 may curve tangentially into a first rib 164. The third groove162 may curve tangentially into a second rib 166. The first rib 164 mayhave an inner planar surface that extends from the second groove 160 toan outer edge of the die 116. The second rib 166 may have an innerplanar surface that extends from the third groove 162 to an outer edgeof the first die 116.

In some embodiments, a release angle for a die can be formed to exhibita particular value (e.g., within a particular range of values) that mayassist in improved operation of the die and related assemblies. Forexample, the first rib 164 and the second rib 166 may form an angle Θthat is bisected by the axis A and the angle Θ may be at least 40degrees. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the angle Θ may be betweenabout 40 degrees and about 60 degrees (inclusive), or between about 40degrees and about 55 degrees (inclusive). Alternatively, in someembodiments, the angle Θ may be about 40 degrees, or about 45 degrees,or about 50 degrees, or about 55 degrees, or about 60 degrees. Inparticular, configurations of the angle Θ as disclosed herein has beenfound to help prevent swaged material from being stuck inside of diesafter being swaged. Therefore, the angle Θ, as disclosed, may be arelease angle that is critical for allowing swaged material to releasewith minimal effort when the tooling assembly 100 transitions from theclosed configuration to the open configuration. In some cases, a releaseangle as noted above (e.g., of at least than 40 degrees, or betweenabout 40 degrees and about 60 degrees (inclusive)) can be particularlybeneficial for use for cold forming of components that exhibit anun-deformed (i.e., pre-pressing) diameter of about 4 inches or less, ora deformed (i.e., post-pressing) diameter of about 3 inches or less.Allowing swaged material to easily release from dies during pressoperations can be important, for example, for reducing cycle time.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another configuration of the half 104 a of thetooling assembly 100, with a different cold-forming die, as can formpart of a larger tooling set with the transition shoe 112 and the die116 (as well as the shoe 108, in some cases). In particular, theillustrated configuration includes a die 216 with a second dovetailformation (e.g., a dovetail protrusion 242, as shown). In particular,relative to the axis A, the dovetail protrusion 242 has a dovetailprotrusion width W3 (see FIG. 6 ) that is sized to be received in thedovetail recess 132 (see FIG. 2 ). For example, the width W3 may besubstantially equal to the width W1 (see FIG. 2 ).

As shown in FIG. 5 in particular, The die 216 also includes a coldforming profile 256 opposite the dovetail protrusion 242. In some cases,the die 216 can thus be selectively interchangeable with the transitionshoe 112 for use with the shoe 108, and different dies can thus beinterchangeably used with a press without replacing the main shoe 108.In this regard, for example, it may be useful for a dovetail formationon a particular die (e.g., the die 216) to exhibit the same nominalshape and dimensions as a dovetail formation on a particular transitionshoe (e.g., the transition shoe 112), so that the same shoe (e.g.,either of the shoes 108, 208) can be used for multiple dies of differentsizes.

In the illustrated example, the configuration of the tooling assembly100 in FIG. 4 does not include a transition shoe. Instead, as detailedabove, the die 216 directly removably engages the shoe 108.Specifically, the dovetail protrusion 242 on the die 216 removablyengages the dovetail recess 232 on the shoe 208. Although not shown inFIG. 4 , the first flange screw 144 (see, e.g., FIG. 2 ) can thus beconfigured to rotate onto the die 116 to secure the die 116 into theshoe 108 in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction of thepress.

FIG. 6 further illustrates the die 216 of the tooling assembly 200. Thedie 216 may be similar to the die 116 of the tooling assembly 100, withsome differences as discussed below. As also generally noted above, thedie 216 may include the cold forming profile 256, opposite to thedovetail protrusion 242 relative to the pressing direction of the press(e.g., parallel with the axis A). Similarly to the cold forming profile156, the cold forming profile 256 includes a first groove 258, a secondgroove 260, a third groove 262, a first rib 264, a second rib 266, and adiameter D2. The cold forming profile 256 may have a diameter D2 ofgreater than about 3.0 inches, or of between about 5.0 inches and about6.0 inches, or of between about 4.0 inches and about 6.0 inches.Generally, the die 216 of the tooling assembly 200 may be sized for coldforming operation on components (e.g. anchors, rebar, etc.) of a secondsize that is larger than the first size discussed earlier with respectto the cold forming profile 156 of the die 116 of the tooling assembly100.

As shown in FIG. 6 in particular, the cold forming profile 256 mayinclude the first groove 258, the second groove 260, and the thirdgroove 262 in a similar configuration as the groves 158, 160, 162 of thecold forming profile 156 (see, e.g., FIG. 3 ). Further, the cold formingprofile 256 may include the first rib 264 and the second rib 266 in asimilar configuration as the first rib 164 and the second rib 166 (see,e.g., FIG. 3 ). However, the first rib 264 and the second rib 266 of thecold forming profile 256 may form a different angle 1 that is bisectedby the axis A. For example, the angle 1 may be at least 45 degrees.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the angle Θ may be between about 45degrees and about 60 degrees (inclusive), or between about 45 degreesand about 55 degrees (inclusive). Alternatively, in some embodiments,the angle 1 may be about 45 degrees, or about 50 degrees, or about 55degrees, or about 60 degrees.

The ranges of the angle Φ as disclosed herein has been found to preventswaged (or other cold-pressed) components from being stuck inside ofdies after being swaged, particularly for components with a diameter ofabout 3.0 inches or more. Therefore, the angle Φ may be a release anglethat is critical for allowing swaged material to be released withminimal effort when the tooling assembly 200 transitions from the closedconfiguration to the open configuration.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrates a tooling assembly 300 for cold formingoperations, according to an example of the present disclosure. Thetooling assembly 300 may be similar to the tooling assembly 100 exceptfor as discussed herein. Similar numbering is used to describe similarstructure between tooling assembly 100 and tooling assembly 300. Forexample, the tooling assembly 300 may include a first half or first sidetooling sub-assembly 304 a, and a second half or second side toolingsub-assembly 304 b, each with a die 316 removably secured to a shoe 308.As with the tooling assembly 300, discussion below of aspects of one ofthe halves 304 a, 304 b of the tooling assembly is generally alsoapplicable to the other of the halves 304 b, 304 a. Accordingly, if thetooling assembly 300 includes any element discussed with regard to thefirst half 304 a, it may include an additional one of that same elementsas part of the second half 304 b. However, as also noted above, firstand second halves of a tooling assembly may not necessarily besymmetrical or otherwise substantially the same in other configurations.

Continuing, the shoe 308 can include a first shoe side 320, a secondshoe side 322, a third shoe side 324, and a fourth shoe side 326 and canthereby form a unitary dovetail formation 338 (e.g., a protrusion, asshown). The die 316 can include a complementary dovetail formation 332(e.g., a recess, as shown), with a cold forming profile 356. Forexample, a similar profile as the cold forming profile 256 can beprovided, with grooves 358, 360, 362, with ribs 364, 366, a diameter D3,and a release angle Φ between the ribs 364, 366.

In the illustrated configuration, the tooling assembly 300 does notinclude a transition shoe. Instead, the tooling assembly 300 includesthe die 316 that directly removably engages the shoe 308, similar to thetooling assembly 200 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 . However, atransition shoe (e.g., as discussed below) can be included in a toolingset with the die 316 (along with, in some cases, the shoe 308).

The shoe 308 of the tooling assembly 300 can also be different from theshoe 108 of the tooling assembly 100 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Forexample, the shoe 308 does not include a block body 118, 218 similar tothe shoe 108 (see FIG. 1B) and is not configured for clamp attachment toa press. Instead, an outer profile of the shoe 308 as a whole is definedby a monolithic dovetail body 374. In particular, in the illustratedexample, the dovetail body 374 exhibits a trapezoidal outer profile todefine the dovetail protrusion 338, and is complementary to the recessof the dovetail formation 332. However, a different attachment body of ashoe may be defined by other shapes, including different polygons.

In order to provide easy transition between the die 316 and the shoe308, the protruding body 374 of the shoe 308 may include rounded corners382 to enable a clearance fit between the die 316 and the shoe 308. Inother embodiments, however, otherwise contoured corners are possible.

To allow fast and secure assembly (and easy disassembly), the shoe 308may be configured for connection to a press (e.g., removable connectionto press 298, as schematically shown in FIG. 8 ). In some examples, theshoe 308 can include a plurality of apertures 376 along the fourth shoeside 326 as can be used to removably couple the shoe to a press usingthreaded or other fasteners (not shown). Thus, for example, the shoe 308can be readily attached to any number of different presses toaccommodate various tooling sets as disclosed herein, while alsoproviding a relatively low profile but accessible interface forattaching dies or transition shoes. In some configurations, however, theapertures 376 may not be included (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 )and a shoe can be otherwise secured to a press (e.g., be includedintegrally in a permanent interface of the press). In some examples, thedovetail body 374 of the shoe 308 may be welded onto a press, clampedusing conventional clamping devices for shoes, or otherwise morepermanently secured.

Generally, the die 316 can be secured to the shoe 308 (and thereby therelevant press), similarly to the transition shoe 112 or the die 216, asdiscussed above. For example, after the die 316 is slid laterally intoaligned engagement with the shoe 308, a flanged screw similar to thescrew 144 can be used (e.g., with corresponding holes provided on eitherlateral side of the die 316, similar to the holes 141 discussed above).

Specifically referring to FIG. 8 , one end of the die 316 is coupled tothe trapezoidal dovetail body 374 and the other end of die 316 includesthe cold forming profile 356. As shown in FIG. 8 , the cold formingprofile 356 can thus receive an anchor 352 and squeeze the anchor 352onto an end of rebar (not shown in FIG. 8 ). Similarly to other diesdiscussed herein, the cold forming profile 356 can include a firstgroove 358, a second groove 360, a third groove 362, a first rib 364, asecond rib 366, and a diameter D3. The release angle Φ of the coldforming profile 356 between the first rib 364 and the second rib 366 maybe more than about 45 degrees and less than 60 degrees, as can beoptimal for larger sizes of anchors or other components (e.g., about 3inches or larger, post-pressing, or about 4 inches or larger,pre-pressing). In some cases, the die 316 may include a counterbore orcountersink 378 defining a profile periphery 380 of the cold formingprofile 356 and a corresponding tooling profile diameter.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another configuration of the tooling assembly300, with a different cold-forming die and a transition shoe, as canform part of a tooling set with the die 316 (as well as the shoe 308, insome cases). In particular, the illustrated configuration of the toolingassembly 300 includes a different configuration of the first toolingsub-assembly 304 a and the second tooling sub-assembly 304 b so that adifferent die can be attached, respectively, to each of the shoes 308.

Considering the sub-assembly 304 a in particular for initial discussion,a transition shoe 412 includes a first dovetail formation 432, and asecond dovetail formation 440 on an opposite side of the transition shoe412 in a pressing direction (e.g., along axis C). In particular, thedovetail formations 432, 440 can advantageously both be dovetailrecesses that extend into the opposing sides of the transition shoe 412,(e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 ). Generally, the formation 432 can besized to be removably engaged with the dovetail formation 338 of theshoe 308, and a dovetail formation 442 of the die 416 (e.g., a dovetailprotrusion, as shown) can be sized to be removably engaged with thedovetail formation 440. Correspondingly, the die 416 can be secured to apress via the transition shoe 412 to conduct cold forming operations onan anchor 452 (see FIG. 10 ) or other component with a cold formingprofile 456 that is opposite the dovetail formation 442.

As shown in the illustrated configurations of the sub-assemblies 304,304 b, the relative dimensions of the various dovetail formationsperpendicular to the pressing direction (and perpendicular to anelongate direction of rebar received in the assembly 300 for toolingoperations) can be optimized in some cases to balance strength ofattachment, ease of installation, and adaptability to different diesizes. More specifically, relative to this noted reference frame and asshown in FIG. 10 , the dovetail connection between the transition shoe412 and the shoe 308 defines a dovetail formation width W5 as a largestdimension. Further, with the same reference frame, the dovetailconnection between the transition shoe 412 and the die 416 defines adovetail formation width W6 as a largest dimension, and a dovetailformation width W7 as a smallest dimension. Thus, advantageously, thewidth W5 can be smaller than the width W6, as can provide for suitablyrobust allocation of structural material and connections, in combinationwith a suitably low profile connection at the press. Likewise, the widthW5 can advantageously be smaller than the width W7, including to helpavoid inadvertent reversal of the orientation of the transition shoe 412during installation, as can result in slower or failed installation(e.g., due to jamming of the components). As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 inparticular, the width W5 can advantageously be larger than the diameterD4, smaller than the diameter D3, smaller than the tooling profilediameter defined by the tooling profile periphery 380 (see FIG. 8 ), orlarger than a tooling profile diameter defined by the similar profileperiphery 480 (see FIG. 10 ), collectively, individually or in variouscombinations of two or more.

As noted above, use of a two dovetail recesses on a transition shoe canalso be advantageous, including to provide easier and lower profileinstallation of a dovetail formation— as a dovetail protrusion) on apress, and to allow more adaptable attachment of dies of a wide range ofsizes. To this end, for example, a web 484 extends between the first andsecond dovetail recess 432, 440 with a thickness T along the pressingdirection. In particular, the transition shoe 412 is formed as anI-shaped body, with the web 484 of the transition shoe 412 extending inan elongate direction perpendicular to the thickness T to connectopposed wider flanges 486, 488.

In some cases, an entire die can be formed as a dovetail formation orcan otherwise be configured to fit within a corresponding dovetailrecess on a tooling sub-assembly (e.g., entirely, except for anyprotruding portion of a cold forming profile). For example, an entiredie can be formed as a trapezoidal dovetail formation that is sized tobe received in a dovetail recess on a shoe or a transition shoe, withdeviations from an outer trapezoidal profile only along contact andrelief portions of a tooling profile for pressing operations. In somecases, a die can be formed as a trapezoidal dovetail formation with anouter trapezoidal profile that can be entirely received into the recessrelative to a pressing direction (or relative to a pressing directionand one or more directions perpendicular thereto).

Specifically referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 , a body of the die 416 isconfigured to fit entirely within the second dovetail recess 440,relative to the pressing direction. In other words, the die 416 can besized not extend out of the dovetail recess 440 in the pressingdirection, other than potentially along contact and relief portions ofthe cold forming profile 456. In particular, as shown in FIG. 10 , thedie 416 exhibits a trapezoidal outer profile relative to a plan viewthat is perpendicular to the pressing direction D and perpendicular to acontact axis perpendicular to the pressing direction (e.g., a verticalcontact axis VA for the sub-assembly 404 a as shown, or a similar,parallel contact axis for the sub-assembly 404 b).

As seen in the view of FIG. 10 , the die 416 has a first die side 502opposite a second die side 504, and a third die side or press side 508opposite a fourth die side (or tooling side) 506. In the illustratedexample, the die 416 includes curved junctions between some adjacentsets of sides as illustrated. In other examples, differently curved,chamfered, or edge junctions are also possible. The fourth die side 506provides a narrowest dimension of the trapezoidal outer profile and isconfigured specifically as a tooling side that includes the cold formingprofile 456. Accordingly, when the die 416 is received in the dovetailrecess 440 (as also discussed below), the fourth die side 506 isoriented to expose the cold forming profile 456 for pressing operations.

In some cases, including in the illustrated example, the fourth die side506 is flush with or recessed away from a pressing-side surface 496 ofthe die 416 (e.g., along one or both of the flanges 486, 488) thatcoincides with a contact axis for pressing operations (e.g., a verticalcontact axis VA as shown). In some examples, the die 416 is sized to beremovably received within the second dovetail recess 440, with junctions506 a, 506 b between the fourth die side 506 and the first and seconddie sides 502, 504 being recessed away from or flush with an end of thetransition shoe 412 that is opposite the first dovetail recess 432 inthe pressing direction. Thus, for example, an entire outer trapezoidalprofile of the die 416 can be received within the dovetail formation440, with potential extension outside of the formation 440 only asneeded to provide the profile 456. In some cases, including as shown forthe die 416, a die body can be substantially entirely received within adovetail recess (i.e., received so that substantially all of a length ofthe die body in a pressing direction is within the dovetail recess).

Generally, the die 416 can be configured for cold forming operations onsmaller components than is the die 316. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the cold forming profile 456 includes grooves 458, 460, 462, with ribs464, 466, and a diameter D4. The release angle Θ of the cold formingprofile 456 between the ribs 464, 466 may be between about 40 degreesand 60 degrees. Thus, for example, the tooling sub-assemblies shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 can be utilized for cold forming operations on largercomponents (e.g., anchors of 3 inches or larger, post-pressing, or of 4inches or larger, pre-pressing) and the tooling sub-assemblies shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 can be readily swapped in for cold forming operations onsmaller components (e.g., anchors of 3 inches or less, post-pressing, orof 4 inches or less, pre-pressing). Although some examples hereininclude a particular number of grooves and ribs, other examples caninclude differently configured cold forming profiles (e.g., withdifferently numbered or arranged grooves).

In some implementations, devices or systems disclosed herein can beused, manufactured, or installed using methods embodying aspects of theinvention. Correspondingly, any description herein of particularfeatures, capabilities, or intended uses of a device or system isgenerally intended to include disclosure of a method of using suchdevices for the intended purposes, of a method of otherwise implementingsuch capabilities, of a method of manufacturing relevant components ofsuch a device or system (or the device or system as a whole), and of amethod of installing disclosed (or otherwise known) components tosupport such purposes or capabilities. Similarly, unless otherwiseindicated, discussion herein of any method of manufacturing or use for aparticular device or system, including installing the device or system,is intended to inherently include disclosure, as examples of thedisclosed technology, of the utilized features and configurations, andimplemented capabilities of such device or system.

In this regard, for example, FIG. 11 illustrates example operations fora method 1100 for conducting cold forming operations. In some cases, themethod 1100 can be implemented using the tooling assembly 100, 200, 300,400. In other cases, the method 1100 can be implemented with othertooling assemblies. Generally, the method 1100 can be executed manually(e.g., via manual control of a press). In some cases, the method 1100can be implemented using one or more automated processes (e.g., viaautomated computerized control of a press).

The method 1100 may include securing 1102 a transition shoe to a shoe ofa press. In some implementations, securing 1102 the transition shoe mayinclude securing the transition shoe to a shoe of a press, using a firstdovetail connection between the transition shoe and the shoe. The method1100 may further include securing 1104 a die to the transition shoe,e.g., using a second dovetail connection between the die and thetransition shoe. Generally, the method 1100 may be used to easily move(e.g., slide) a transition shoe or die into engagement with a press toease servicing or replacing the transition shoe or die.

The method 1100 may further include operating 1106 the press to conductcold forming operations using a cold forming profile of the die. In someimplementations, the press may be operated to swage an anchor onto thehead of a rebar, as discussed earlier herein. In some implementations,other cold forming operations may be possible. Furthermore, the pressmay be any type of conventional press.

The method 1100 may further include removing 1108 the transition shoefrom the press. For example, the transition shoe may be removed from thepress by turning a quarter turn flange, and by sliding the transitionshoe out of the press in a direction perpendicular to the pressingdirection of the press. The method 1100 may further include securing1110 a second die to the shoe of the press, in place of the transitionshoe, using a third dovetail connection between the second die and theshoe. Generally, the method 1100 may thus be used to easily engage a diewith a shoe of a press to ease servicing or replacing the die. Further,by removing the transition shoe, operators may use a die that is sizedfor cold forming operations on components of a larger size thancomponents used when the transition shoe is present in the press,without necessarily needing to replace a shoe of the press toaccommodate the different size(s) of the die(s).

The method 1100 may further include operating 1112 the press to conductcold forming operations using a cold forming profile of the second die.In some examples, the press may be operated to swage an anchor onto thehead of a rebar, as discussed earlier herein,

Generally, examples of the disclosed technology, including the toolingassemblies 100, 300 and the method 1100, can be used to ease servicingand replacement of tooling that is secured to a press. Additionally,particular structures on die components, including as described for thetooling assemblies 100, 300, can allow for swaged material to bereleased with relatively minimal effort, thereby reducing cycle time.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereofherein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limitedotherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled”and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct andindirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,“connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanicalconnections or couplings.

Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “about” and“approximately,” as used herein with respect to a reference value, referto variations from the reference value of ±20% or less (e.g., ±15, ±10%,±5%, etc.), inclusive of the endpoints of the range. Similarly, as usedherein with respect to a reference value, the term “substantially equal”(and the like) refers to variations from the reference value of lessthan ±5% (e.g., ±2%, ±1%, ±0.5%) inclusive. Where specified inparticular, “substantially” can indicate a variation in one numericaldirection relative to a reference value. For example, the term“substantially less” than a reference value (and the like) indicates avalue that is reduced from the reference value by 30% or more (e.g.,35%, 40%, 50%, 65%, 80%), and the term “substantially more” than areference value (and the like) indicates a value that is increased fromthe reference value by 30% or more (e.g., 35%, 40%, 50%, 65%, 80%).

As used herein, unless otherwise limited or specified, “substantiallyidentical” refers to two or more components or systems that aremanufactured or used according to the same process and specification,with variation between the components or systems that are within thelimitations of acceptable tolerances for the relevant process andspecification. For example, two components can be considered to besubstantially identical if the components are manufactured according tothe same standardized manufacturing steps, with the same materials, andwithin the same acceptable dimensional tolerances (e.g., as specifiedfor a particular process or product).

As used herein, unless otherwise specified, “rebar” refers to areinforcing bar or reinforcement bar of various known forms, as may beused, for example, to provide structural strength in construction ofbuilding or other large structures.

Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “or” indicatesa non-exclusive list of components or operations that can be present inany variety of combinations, rather than an exclusive list of componentsthat can be present only as alternatives to each other. For example, alist of “A, B, or C” indicates options of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; Band C; and A, B, and C. Correspondingly, the term “or” as used herein isintended to indicate exclusive alternatives only when preceded by termsof exclusivity, such as “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” For example,a list of “only one of A, B, or C” indicates options of: A, but not Band C; B, but not A and C; and C, but not A and B. In contrast, a listpreceded by “one or more” (and variations thereon) and including “or” toseparate listed elements indicates options of one or more of any or allof the listed elements. For example, the phrases “one or more of A, B,or C” and “at least one of A, B, or C” indicate options of: one or moreA; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one ormore B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one ormore A, one or more B, and one or more C. Similarly, a list preceded by“a plurality of” (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separatelisted elements indicates options of multiple instances of any or all ofthe listed elements. For example, the phrases “a plurality of A, B, orC” and “two or more of A, B, or C” indicate options of: one or more Aand one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A andone or more C; and one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while theinvention has been described above in connection with particularembodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited,and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications anddepartures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to beencompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of eachpatent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as ifeach such patent or publication were individually incorporated byreference herein.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tooling set for cold forming operations, thetooling set comprising: a first removable dovetail formation that isremovably securable to a first side of a press for cold forming and asecond removable dovetail formation that is removably securable to asecond side of the press; a first removable die arrangement and a secondremovable die arrangement, each of the first and second removable diearrangements including, respectively: a transition shoe that includes afirst dovetail formation, and a second dovetail formation opposite thefirst dovetail formation relative to a pressing direction, wherein thefirst dovetail formation is removably engageable with the first or thesecond removable dovetail formation, respectively, to secure thetransition shoe to the press; and a die that includes a third dovetailformation and a first cold forming profile, the third dovetail formationbeing removably engageable with the second dovetail formation on thetransition shoe to removably secure the die to the press, via thetransition shoe, for cold forming operations.
 2. The tooling set ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first or second removable diearrangements further includes: a second die that includes a fourthdovetail formation removably engageable with either of the first orsecond removable dovetail formations to secure the second die to thepress in place of the corresponding transition shoe; wherein the seconddie includes a second cold forming profile different from the first coldforming profile, opposite the fourth dovetail formation relative to thepressing direction.
 3. The tooling set of claim 2, wherein the firstcold forming profile is sized for cold forming operations on componentsof a first size, and the second cold forming profile is sized for coldforming operations on components of a second size that is larger thanthe first size.
 4. The tooling set of claim 3, wherein the first coldforming profile is sized to clamp a first anchor of the first size ontorebar and includes a release angle of at least about 40 degrees, thefirst size corresponding to a first outer diameter of the first anchor.5. The tooling set of claim 3, wherein the second cold forming profileis sized to clamp a second anchor of the second size onto rebar andincludes a release angle of at least about 45 degrees, the second sizecorresponding to a second outer diameter of the second anchor.
 6. Thetooling set of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second coldforming profiles includes a release angle of at least about 40 degreesand less than 60 degrees to clamp anchors onto rebar.
 7. The tooling setof claim 1, wherein, perpendicular to the pressing direction, a largestdimension of the first removable dovetail formation is smaller than alargest dimension of the first dovetail formation of the first removabledie arrangement.
 8. The tooling set of claim 1, wherein, for the firstremovable die arrangement, the third dovetail formation of the dieincludes a dovetail protrusion that is sized to be received in adovetail recess of the second dovetail formation of the transition shoe;and wherein, perpendicular to the pressing direction, a largestdimension of the dovetail protrusion is greater than a largest dimensionof the first removable dovetail formation of the first removable diearrangement.
 9. The tooling set of claim 1, wherein, for the firstremovable die arrangement, the die includes a trapezoidal outer profileincluding first, second, and third sides that form the third dovetailformation and a fourth side that extends between the first and secondsides and includes the first cold forming profile.
 10. The tooling setof claim 1, wherein, for the first removable die arrangement, the dieincludes first, second, and third sides that form the third dovetailformation and a fourth side that extends between the first and secondsides to form the first cold forming profile; and wherein the die of thefirst removable die arrangement is sized to be removably received withina dovetail recess of the second dovetail formation, with junctionsbetween the fourth side of the die and each of the first and third sidesof the die being recessed away from or flush with an end surface of thetransition shoe, the end surface being opposite the first dovetailformation in the pressing direction and including the second dovetailformation.
 11. The tooling set of claim 1, wherein, for the firstremovable die arrangement, a body of the die is sized to be removablyreceived substantially entirely within a dovetail recess of the seconddovetail formation, relative to the pressing direction.
 12. A toolingset for cold forming operations, the tooling set comprising: atransition shoe that includes a first dovetail recess on a first side ofthe transition shoe configured to engage a dovetail protrusion on apress, and a second dovetail recess on a second side of the transitionshoe that is opposite the first side in a pressing direction; and a diethat includes a cold forming profile and a dovetail protrusion that isremovably received in the second dovetail recess, to secure the die tothe transition shoe for attachment to the press.
 13. The tooling set ofclaim 12, wherein a largest dimension of the die in the pressingdirection is substantially equal to a largest dimension of the seconddovetail recess in the pressing direction.
 14. The tooling set of claim12, wherein the die defines a trapezoidal outer profile, with the coldforming profile being recessed to deviate from the trapezoidal outerprofile along a pressing side of the die.
 15. The tooling set of claim12, wherein the cold forming profile has a release angle of at leastabout 40 degrees as measured between a first rib and a second rib of thecold forming profile.
 16. The tooling set of claim 15, wherein therelease angle is less than 60 degrees.
 17. The tooling set of claim 16,wherein the cold forming profile is sized to shape a donut anchor to apost-pressing diameter of less than about 3 inches.
 18. The tooling setof claim 16, wherein the cold forming profile is sized to shape a donutanchor having a diameter of about 3 inches or more; and wherein therelease angle is at least about 45 degrees.
 19. The tooling set of claim16, wherein the cold forming profile includes a first groove that iscentrally located along the cold forming profile, a second groove, and athird groove, wherein the second and third groove are equally spacedapart from the first groove on either side of the first groove.
 20. Amethod of conducting cold forming operations, the method comprising:securing a transition shoe of a tooling set to a press, using a firstdovetail connection between the transition shoe and the press, includingengaging a first dovetail recess on a first side of the transition shoewith a dovetail protrusion on the press; securing a die of the toolingset to the press via the transition shoe, using a second dovetailconnection between the die and the transition shoe, including removablyinserting a dovetail protrusion of the die into a second dovetail recesson a second side of the transition shoe that is opposite the first sidein a pressing direction; and after securing the die to the press via thetransition shoe, operating the press to conduct cold forming operationsusing a cold forming profile of the die.